The Michael Jackson I choose to remember
Good morning everyone
I’ll get to the weather in another post, but I have to say I’m still shocked and saddened by the death of Michael Jackson. Yes, I know there’s a lot of people out there that think he was “wacko” and can’t believe the amount of coverage he’s getting in the news right now, but for my generation he was a Pop Superstar. I raced out to get the album Thriller like millions of others, and I have dozens of Michael Jackson songs on my I-Pod that I still listen to on a regular basis. Say what you will about his personal life, he was a musical and performance genius. I remember Motown’s 25th Anniversary special when he came out with his sequined outfit, signature loafers and white socks with the pants that were a few inches too short so that we could really see those feet move when he did his “moonwalk”…and of course the white glove. He was beautiful back then. That performance was pure magic. There’s no other way to describe it. I still get chills watching it. That’s the Michael Jackson I choose to remember. And the first time I saw the video for Thriller – I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. I would tape the video on my VCR and try to figure out all the dance steps by rewinding and playing it over and over. I’m proud to say I can still do the moonwalk…
I look at how his life has been always under the microscope from such a young age. He never had a “normal” life…I feel sad for the young little boy who was pushed into the spotlight and perhaps thought love was measured by how successful or famous you became.
There will never be another Michael Jackson, and yes, I do think his music legacy is comparable to Elvis and the Beatles. Once the tabloid dust settles, believe we will remember this man as a true legend, not by the lawsuits, plastic surgery or bizarre behaviour. His music made me come alive as a teenager, and inspired me to dance. I feel like part of my childhood has died today.
Janice
Hey Janice,
I used to be able to do the moonwalk but I haven’t tried it in many, many years. I used to be a bigger Michael Jackson fan back when he looked and acted normal. He just got too weird for me. He was certainly a musical genius and will long be remembered for that. Some friends and I did a skit for the women’s group at my parents’ church a long, long time ago where we combined 2 totally different skits–the Carol Burnett skit when she was on the gong show, which morphed into a Michael Jackson skit using Weird Al Yankovic’s “Eat It”. I still have pictures from that crazy routine! Let’s just say those are some pictures you’ll never see! I did the moonwalk for that skit. I even made a sequined glove and all that. That was back in my younger, crazier days!
I feel sorry for Michael’s family since this happened so suddenly. I watched a good bit of the coverage last night but I drew the line when they showed the helicopter carrying Michael’s body to the medical examiner’s office. That was too much.
My biggest pet peeve about the whole thing is that there is way too much idol worship in our society. I can admire someone’s talent without getting carried away. God is the one we should be worshipping, not the people He created. They need to mourn in moderation.
I’ve been praying for Michael’s family and for Farah’s family during this difficult time. It’s been a rough week for Hollywood, with Ed McMahon passing earlier in the week.
I’ll say goodbye since I’m out of space.
Hey Margie, yeah I will admit I only watched a bit of the coverage yesterday, and it made me sick seeing the “last official photo” of the man with an oxygen mask on…and yes, it’s the families that are hurting today. Well said.
Janice….I feel exactly the same way…
And he broke thru so many racial barriers….Anyone growing up in the USA at least in the 70’s and 80’s how could they not be touched by his artistry??
Many years ago I had the opportunity of visiting Neverland Ranch….I road the rides…watched videos in the theater…I could go on and on about a special memory….
He was a tortured and crippled soul with the genius of an unusal artist…
I remember fonding Motown 25…When THRILLER the album came out and when it the video debuted on MTV…(First african american to be shown on MTV….)
I remember the Jackson 5 cartoon…the variety show…
Thanks for sharing what how he touched your life…
He touched mine too….As a paraplegic I was mesmerized by his dancing…
Hey Dawn! Wow. That’s amazing that you got to visit Neverland. What a great memory. I hear his Thriller Album is number 1 on i-tunes, so younger generations will be able appreciate his musical talents for years to come.
Janice,
I agree, he was a musical genius, and a legend in his own time and probably forever. I really enjoyed his music and talent. I do believe he had a trouble soul, and I always felt kinda sorry for him. I too, want to remember all the good. And I really feel bad for his children and their loss.
Woke up to rain this morning, but the sun is trying to come out now. It will probably turn out to be a beautiful weather day.
I am sad too…
Deb
It’s a weird kind of sad, isn’t it? It’s like a little cloud over my head today. I do feel bad for his kids too. Hopefully they won’t be made into tabloid fodder now.
As we watched the reports about Michael Jackson’s death, I thought back to the day in 1993 when I met Michael Jackson. I was working as a salesman at Allied Model Trains in Culver City, then the world’s largest toy train store. Michael Jackson was in Los Angeles, on trial for allegations of child abuse. About 2:45 PM, to my surprise, Michael Jackson and a friend of his walked into Allied and back to my area of the store where we sold LGB and Lionel trains. I often waited on celebrity customers, including Bruce Springsteen, Donald Sutherland, Mel Harris, Harold Ramis, and Richard Crenna, but seeing Michael Jackson in person was still a big thrill for me.
I showed them around the store. They admired all the merchandise and the dozen or so operating train layouts, especially the large LGB and Lionel layouts in my my area.
At one point, I began asking Michael Jackson about his music, about Quincy Jones, whom I first heard about in the early 1960’s (I still have Jones’ first LP). Michael Jackson could not have been more polite or cordial to me. I mentioned how much I loved jazz and big band music, rock and blues. And being from Chicago originally, I knew nearby Gary (his hometown) fairly well. We talked about an hour.
Now Michael Jackson is gone. I can’t believe it. I am stunned.
Looking back, I am glad that we shared a few moments together.
Rest in peace, Michael…. And Farrah…. And Ed….
Thanks for the memories, Michael!
That is an awesome story George. Thank you for sharing. He did seem like a kind, gentle soul despite all the other rumors and stories that swirled around him for much of his life.
GEORGE
Thanks for sharing you Michael memory!
Hey George,
You certainly got to meet some famous people, didn’t you??? I’m jealous! Michael did seem to have a kind, gentle way about him. He was so soft spoken when he talked, but when he started to sing–watch out! I heard someone read a statement from Quincy Jones yesterday and it broke my heart. Someone else was reading it but I could just feel the pain he was feeling.
Hey Dawn,
That must have been something going to the Neverland ranch! From the pictures I’ve seen of it, it looks like quite a place. I know he had some financial issues with that, but maybe they can turn it into the Michael Jackson equivalent of Graceland. I’m sure he has tons of memorabilia to display.
His story reminds me of so many other child stars. They never had a “normal” life and so many of them struggled later in life. It is very sad indeed.
Well, now I’m getting depressed and I’ve already had enough of that this week. I’m looking forward to the weekend and the final stage of my backyard retaining wall project. I’ll let you all know how that turns out! I hope everyone has a great weekend.
Margie
Margie…I dont know what kind of shape Neverland Ranch is in now….(I know the animals have long been removed)
But when I was there it really was a beautiful place….His staff was extremely helpful…the zoo well kept with the animals well cared for….
It really was his small slice of heaven on earth…
And you know how when you go on rides there is always like a time limit of say 2 or 3 minuets?
No such time limited exsisted on the rides at the ranch…you could stay on any ride for as long as you wanted….
And were most commerical carnival rides wouldnt allow me to get on their rides (insurance issues I expect)…No such restrictions were on me at Neverland….I was allowed to go on any ride I wanted and his staff would help me get on any ride I wanted….
Dawn,
It sounds like you had a really special time and were very well taken care of at Neverland. Remember those happy times instead of what happened to the ranch. It’s sad how things turn out sometimes but you have those wonderful memories. Thanks for sharing.
Margie
Exactly my thoughts Margie…
Dear JD and Sean,
Happy, Happy Birthday Sean and we hope you have a wonderful day to celebrate your first birthday being Matthew’s Daddy.
What a beautiful family you 3 have become and we are so happy you and JD found each other in life and now share this beautiful baby boy.
Have a great weekend celebrating together.
Clare and AJ
Janice
Understand your feelings. I had similar when Elvis died. Saw Elvis twice in person, both times in Vegas.
When I was in high school I learned to play Heart Brake Hotel on the guitar when it came out.
Even though I saw Frank Sinatra in person I had no feelings when he died. He was not my generation as Elvis was.
Hi all, I remember being on a high school trip to Toronto and remembered seeing the display racks for Thriller, and heard the songs on the radio. He had a lot of talent. As one person said today, natural talent from God.
JD is a talented dancer, I wondered where you picked up your skills JD.
“There will never be another Michael Jackson, and yes, I do think his music legacy is comparable to Elvis and the Beatles. Once the tabloid dust settles, believe we will remember this man as a true legend, not by the lawsuits, plastic surgery or bizarre behaviour. His music made me come alive as a teenager, and inspired me to dance. I feel like part of my childhood has died today.”
Janice wrote these words above. She is so right.
Millions of us around the world will remember Michael Jackson for his wonderful music, his singing and his dancing. He always made us smile.
George Spink
Los Angeles
Hi, Janice,
Here’s another MJ video for you to dance to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9cQOcAC_K8
Rock on, Janice!
Your buddy,
George
yes I completely agree with you Janice!
and although I was not too surprised about the tragedy, it is very very sad indeed.
and I hope he is happier where he is now.
His amazing songs remain with us.
and no, I was never able to do the moondance
you have to show us!!
sorry, I meant the moonwalk!